Cheerleading Forever!

Some call it an art; others consider it a sport. While dancing includes many of the same factors that sports do yet involves art and expression, the question may not have a clear answer.

By Ansley Vanover

Speed, power, concentration, endurance, balance, discipline, physical demand. Believe it or not, these are all characteristics of not only sports but dance as well.  When asked if dance is a sport, many dancers would agree that yes, dancing is a sport (if not beyond one). Others may reply that no, dancing is an art. I am here to argue that dance is, indeed, a sport. In fact, dancing goes far beyond athleticism.

I have been a dancer since age two. Around the age of five, I began picking up tennis, baseball, soccer, and swimming. Between all of my sports and being the younger sister of a dedicated baseball player, I have been around sports my whole life. It was not until age 9 when dance became my passion, and I dropped most sports so I could devote all of my time towards dancing. For me, dance was not just a hobby or a fun thing to do during the week. I spent about eight hours a week at the studio. When I got older, I did competition team, which involved practices during the week and competitions on the weekend. It was at that point when I realized dance is very similar to the sports I had participated in and been around all my life.

Dancers are athletes in a special way. Serious dancers must watch their nutrition, stay fit, follow certain routines, and practice, practice, practice. We are goal oriented; just like athletes, we want to perform at our top level. When we perform, we want it perfect. We are hard on ourselves because we know they can always do better. On dance teams, we rely on each other and must work as a team to be successful. While dancers and athletes share all of these things in common, dancers take it a step further: we must look glamorous while doing it.

In the studio, however, things are not so glamorous; in fact, there is a lot of sweat and pain involved.  Just as athletes must be open to criticism from their teammates and coach, dancers are expected to listen to criticism and apply it to their dancing. Demands such as “Point your toes! Straighten your legs! Elongate your neck! Round your elbows! Pull your stomach in! Relax your face! Look like you’re having FUN!” are common. While having to perfect technique, such as pointing toes, and remember multiple dance routines (sometimes of different styles), dancers must also perform with their face: smile, look sad, look angry, etc. Since practice makes perfect, dancers must practice the technique, steps, and personality at all times so that once it’s time to perform or compete, they are ready to go.

At performances and competitions, dancers have a disadvantage to athletes. During games, athletes can hear their coach scream plays and corrections from the sidelines, take time-outs, be swapped out for a different player, and most importantly, not worry about how they look while doing it. Dancers, however, do not have it as easy. Once they are out on stage, they must hope that all of their practices pay off at that very moment. Dance instructors cannot call out in the middle of the dance, “Fix your lines!” No one can be swapped out for another dancer in the middle of the piece. There are no time-outs. The team must make the dance look effortless while praying that their costume straps do not break and that their peripheral vision is enough to stay in sync and in line. Dance is definitely not as easy as it looks.

Out of 60 sports, researchers have concluded that the “toughest sport” is ballet! In hopes to improve flexibility and grace, famous athletes such as Lynn Swann (Pittsburgh Steelers in the 70’s and 80’s) and Herschel Walker (Dallas Cowboys running back) have practiced ballet and yoga regularly. “Dancing with the Stars” TV show has featured former wide receiver Jerry Rice, former running back Emmett Smith, boxing champion Laila Ali, and Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, to name a few.  At first, they struggled with the steps and performance aspect, but they found their athleticism to be a major help in dancing since dancers must be physically fit. Emmett Smith, who won “Dancing with the Stars” season 3, inspired many men to pick up dancing after seeing someone as manly as Emmett enjoy and succeed in dance.

Dance and sports share many qualities. So why isn’t dance considered a sport? At Ponte Vedra High School, the dance team was denied a Varsity letter and funding from the Booster Club because the state of Florida refuses to call it a sport. Audiences may think dance looks easy, which it should- that is part of a dancer’s job. However, dancers go through all the pain and practice that most athletes go through (52% of dancers suffer a chronic injury by age 18).

In addition to all of a dancer’s hard work and physical strain, they must go beyond athleticism and remember to express themselves, and that is where the art aspect comes in. So the question remains, is dance a sport or an art? I guess it depends on whom you ask.

A Chance Encounter with Shaq…..

            Of all the things to do in Scottsdale, how I wound up at a Guitar Center for a “drum off” is still a mystery to me! No sunset tours on horseback, no hot air balloon rides to view the scenery…nope…a music store surrounded by group of high school and college aged drummers in pants that were far too tight! Standing there, wishing I was somewhere else, I looked at the front door and there he was….. “Oh my gosh, it’s Shaquille O’Neal!” Of all places to run into one of basketball’s biggest stars, a music store?

            It took a while for people to figure it out which was a little odd considering in walked a very large 7 foot tall black man in a sea of very scrawny and pale teens! Having no interest in the drum off, I attempted to play the very casual “I’m just going to see where he goes without appearing like a stalker” game. Shaq went straight to the keyboard and synthesizer room and just started making beats and playing piano like it was his job! At this point, there was a small audience around him but he paid no attention and kept bobbing his head up and down to the beat.

            People started asking for autographs and this was my chance! I saw how gracious Shaq was to all of the moms and kids asking for pictures so I grabbed the 6’8” pitcher I was with and used that as my “in.” Having no shame, I walked right up to him and said, “I’m with a guy who plays for the Marlins and he’s almost as tall as you. It would be great to have a picture with someone taller than him.” I grabbed Sean and we all smiled for the camera while the athletes exchanged some quick banter! I don’t think I have ever felt so small in my life!

            Happy to have had my camera, I went back to the little crowd and continued to watch the drum off! Suddenly, I felt a whiff of something big and sweaty and there he was again, standing behind me, watching the drum off! By this point, we were BFF and Shaq gave Sean the standard “dap-fist pump-athlete man hug” type deal and said, “Good luck to you man!” Like two star struck teeny boppers, we nonchalantly followed Shaq and his new toys out to the parking lot and watched him get into his macked out black Charger. He posed for a couple of pictures for some kids and even put on a little strobe light display as he pulled away! I’ll pretend like I didn’t see the movie “Kazaam” because meeting him in person was a much better experience!

Growing up in the South, I’m no stranger to four wheelers and a little dirt! I’ve been stranded in a field of bulls at midnight and have even flipped one a time or two. However, nothing I have experienced on any Polaris would equate to my off road adventure thru the desert in Arizona.

After scouring several internet sites for “quad adventures,” I landed on the site that allowed you to “roam free” on their four wheelers. Nothing like turning loose a group of potential non-experienced riders to experience the desert alone! After signing my life away, our group was given our gear – Fox goggles and a bonafide motocross helmet! If any of us didn’t know how to ride, at least we looked like it! The only exception to this might have been the father of two of the riders who thought Velcro white tennis shoes and tight jeans were appropriate riding clothes!

After we were led down a dirt road, we arrived at a stopping point and were told, “See you back here in three hours!” Just like that…”here’s the desert, you have your water, have fun!” So…off we went and ripped through the desert paths and mountainous bases in 4^th and 5^th gear at speeds of 35 mph. Having never really experienced the desert, I felt like I was at Disney’s Big Thunder Railroad or in a Wild West movie scene….only the cacti were real and the sun was a huge obstacle at times. I now understand the reference to “sun devil” because when the sun shines off the sand that is kicked up, you are completely unaware of anything in front of you – no visibility whatsoever! The blinding sun almost caused a severe accident when I didn’t see the fork in the path and stopped about a foot short of careening over a very steep cliff that would have certainly sent me to the emergency room. This is in addition to the 80 degree vertical climb that I made in 1^st gear and the alternate descent on the other side that had me preparing to bail off the quad at any moment. This is really the only part of the ride where I thought to myself, “You have no business being out here!”

At the base of the mountain, we came to a beautiful river that took me right out of adventure mode and straight to tourist mode…snapping pictures for a good 15 minutes. Why not test the limits of my four wheeler against the power of Mother Nature? These things are made to go in the water so why not give it a whirl? The answer to this question would be because your quad will then stall, your quarter panel will float away downstream and you will be stranded with a waterlogged machine that will only power to idle! Not to mention the disapproving stares of the rest of the group when two people return on one four wheeler. Like they didn’t enjoy the extra free hour back down the mountain where the crew had to literally tip my ride upside down to drain the water!

Like nothing had happened, my quad and I (although both of us a little beaten and weathered), made it back to base camp and sheepishly parked behind the trailer. So she wouldn’t start up again…maybe she just needed a little rest? I expected to get a little heat from the owner but he looked right at my dirty face and said, “I’ve had to ride up and down the mountains for some of the girls we’ve had out here! You’re pretty good…for a girl!” Story of my life!

Cheer Fitness Workouts – Success with Soreness!

When I first began to put together the content for a workout specifically designed for cheerleaders, I was excited about the opportunity to try it out myself and write about my experience. After doing yesterday’s lower body and core workout, I’m sore, tired and hoping that that upper body plan is a bit more forgiving.

Former cheer gym owner and personal trainer/Achieve Fitness Center owner, Vince Pannozzo, designed several different workout plans for cheerleaders. (This is also the man who trained Anna Nicole Smith in her Playboy days so I will do whatever he tells me to if it will make me look more like a pin-up!) Considering I am no longer the 4′11″, 86 pound tumbler I was many years ago, I opted opt out of the “flyer” program and focused on the plan designed for the taller girls..those of us in the back row and the foundation for all stunting.  The “base” fitness routine includes plyometrics, cardio and weight training intended to improve strength, coordination and overall body tone. I figured I’d give it a try thinking that I’m a gym regular and also a certified dance fitness instructor. No problem, right?  WRONG.

Warming up with walking lunges was a breeze and considering I somewhat enjoy these, I was happy to do a couple of laps. However, lower body is always my least favorite area to work out so when the little wooden box was wheeled out, I knew I was in trouble! I HATE JUMP SQUATS! I know that they are one of the best exercises for your lower half, but they are so tiring and once I start to lose it, I’m done. On set three of these brutal exercises, I tagged out, walked to the leg press and left set four guiltily hanging over my head like the pink elephant in the room hoping my trainer wouldn’t notice I bailed out early. After squats, leg presses, leg curls and leg extensions, it was time for the CORE!

Ab exercises have never bothered me and with the definition in my stomach decreasing rapidly thanks to finishing half eaten Happy Meals, I am all too motivated to do what is necessary to tighten it back up! Hanging knee lifts are great…you can feel them working instantaneously and for some reason, the “hanging” part makes me feel a little leaner. “V-Up’s” were next and although somewhat awkward to do, are another great waistline whittler! Bicycle kicks, “Superman” flys, a handful of ball exercises and a quick demonstration on the Ab Solo (the latest ball throwing ab machine) completed my workout when I heard, “Now on to cardio!”

Cardio? Now? My legs felt like Jell-O and my abs were on fire! Apparently it is always best to do cardio after your workout which means that I have been doing this wrong for years! I hopped up on the step mill/Gauntlet, the rotating stair machine from Hell, thinking I was going to do 30 minutes but pushed the emergency STOP button after 15! I was exhausted and even tuning into SportsCenter didn’t take my mind of the fact that I was beat! The David Beckham highlights couldn’t even keep me on that machine! I’m feeling the pain today which means I did something right although I’m a bit disappointed in myself knowing that I only gave about 75% effort. Clearly I need to step it up before next week’s upper body workout or find an hour long Beckham bio to keep me in shape !

Jammin’ with Jenny –

My Workout Playlist!

Music is my key to a successful workout! I have pulled into the gym parking lot only to turn around and drive back home when I realize I have forgotten my iPod. I have left group fitness classes early when the playlist seems more suited for a wedding or “YMCA” is the instructor favorite! Without a steady hip hop beat, an interesting remix of my favorite 80’s tunes or a heart pounding country/rock montage, I just can’t get motivated. For those of you that share this similar philosophy, I have compiled a list of my all time favorite workout songs, taken straight off my “Fun Girl Music” and “Workout 6″ playlists!  These are the songs that get me going and keep me motivated through my entire workout! I start off with more hip hop and switch to rock mid-way through! Download and enjoy!

1. “Shake It” by Metro Station: Great warm up song that I can’t help but want to dance to while I’m doing my walking lunges! Also, the lead singer is Miley Cyrus’ brother which is intriguing to me!

1. “In the Ay-er” by  Flo Rida: I love the exaggeration of the word “air” and the creative ways he rhymes to it!

1. “Beware of the Dog” by Jamelia: Mixed in with an old Depeche Mode Song, this is the mantra for every girl every played by a guy! Song of strength!

1. “Bottoms Up” by  Keke Palmer: This is the song that keeps me going when I want to jump off the treadmill. Great dance beat and I love to sing out, “I’m bossy” or “SWAGGER” when she breaks it down!

1. “Easy” by Paula DeAnda and Lil Wayne – This is the perfect girly jam with my favorite rapper, Weezy, mixed in. Half dance/pop song and half gangsta – gotta love it!

1. “Low” by Flo Rida – I know this song is played out but how can you not want to get low when you hear the “apple bottom jeans” lyric.

1. “Get Like Me (Stuntin’ is a Habit) – David Banner featuring Chris Brown – I don’t know what it is about this song…maybe the “Chevy with the butterfly doors” combined with Chris Brown’s smooth R&B sound…makes me want to “lean wit it.”

1. “Lollipop” remix by Lil Wayne featuring Kanye West – Don’t get this confused with the radio version…this one has a better beat and is much more creative lyrically with “..tell the girl like Doritos, its nach-o cheese.”

1. “Cyclone” by Baby Bash and T-Pain – This is more what I lift weights to but is great for any girl who likes to dance!

1. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera – This is such a great song for any girl who is going though a rough time in her life. I know that I hit the punching bag a bit harder when I hear this song!

1. “Get Up” by Ciara – I can’t help but dance when I hear the theme song from my favorite movie Step-Up. Great for walking lunges!

1. “City 2 City” by Kottonmouth Kings – This is the transition song from hip hop to rock since it’s a good mix of both! It re-energizes me midway through my workout!

1. “Down with the Sickness” by Disturbed - I don’t even think I’ve listen to this entire song..I simply listen to it for the intro and the “Oh wha ah ah ah.”

1. “Fuel” by Metallica – If this doesn’t increase your heart rate, nothing will!

1. “The Diary of Jane” and “So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin – Two songs from a band that keep me going when I want to do 2 sets instead of 3!

1. “Damn Regret” and “Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Another “two-fer” special off my playlist…maybe its because the first year I was a teacher, these guys went to my school or maybe because they are the “hometown heroes” in the city I live…whatever it is, these songs are deeply personal to me and they give me strength!

1. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC - This song brings back great memories of cheering for high school basketball!

1. “Eight Second Ride” by Jake Owen – This is a country song but makes me feel like a tough chick!

1. “Kerosene and Lead” by Miranda Lambert - Another country song but so great!

1. “Fake It” by Seether – Learned a great dance to this song in Dance Trance. Starting to cool it down a bit now….

1. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell – No one can resist the little “bah bah” beat in this song!

1. “She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper – Yes I picked this song because it’s off one of my favorite movies, The Goonies.

When I saw the boas and disco balls being moved into the aerobics room, I knew that I had to be part of whatever was taking place inside! Urban Striptease was coming to Acheive Fitness and the waiting list was already filled with 40 people per class. Having been a fan of Carmen Electra’s Stiptease workout videos, I quickly “cut” in line on the registration form, added my girlfriend Michelle to the class, changed my evening hair appointment and anxiously waited for the class that is changing the face of fitness.

            Urban Striptease is not your mother’s aerobics class nor is it for the faint of heart! Although the studio was filled with high schoolers, mothers and even grandmothers, one must not be afraid to loosen up and “bring sexy back.” Striptease aerobics classes are a fun new way to burn calories, get in shape and FEEL SEXY! To help get ladies in the correct frame of mind, we were all given “stripper names” with name tags – I was now “Heartbreaker” and my girlfriend was “Pa Pow (I definitely got the better moniker.) ”  Bouncing Bunny was in front of me, Cherry Surprise was behind me and with our new alter egos, we proudly took our places in line.    

            The lights were turned off, the disco balls came on and class began with three lines of women “sexy walking” across the dance floor to songs like “Scandalous” and “Promiscuous.” I was then selected to be the “line leader” for the next series of exercises, which included some squatting and a little crawling around on the floor. Although I tried to keep a straight face, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself and giggle a bit as my girlfriend and I led the pack of suburban swim team moms across the dance floor. Some women sped across the floor like they were walking on hot coals and I think we even lost a few who defaulted to the treadmills in the first 10 minutes of class. Others were completely into the class, closing their eyes and really focusing on the “sexy” aspect of the class (I couldn’t help but giggle a bit here as well.)

            When the “booty bop” started, I knew the class had begun! The pseudo suburban strippers, with their minivans and carseats or their Greek sorority life bumper stickers, lined up across the dance floor to be taught a choreographed, water down dance routine that any member of a bachelor party would be pleased to see. From body rolls to horizontal craws and thrusts, “Heartbreaker” and her friends were transformed from PTA moms and aspiring college students to one time exotic dancers. By the end of the class and with our clothes still on, we were out of breath and a little sore from our three minute routine!

Like any proud dancers, my girlfriend and I rushed to her mom’s house after class to show her our new routine. I felt like I was in elementary school again showing my mom the audition dance for the school talent show; however this dance probably wouldn’t have made the cut. We laughed while we inched our way across the kitchen floor to her mom’s clapping and laughter and high-fived each other after our grand finale hip roll and thrust. Aside from a great workout, Urban Striptease was a great way to bond with other women and enjoy a night unlike any other!  In fact, with the kids taken care of and our spirits rejuvenated, Michelle and I decided to grab a Jeep and go “muddin” until midnight. That wasn’t necessarily the plan but after getting lost in a field of bulls and then covering ourselves in mud (stay tuned for that blog), we laughed on the drive back home that all started with an evening of striptease. I highly recommend classes like these for everyone, especially those with a cheer or dance background, although I can’t promise what you’re new personality will want to get into once you leave!

               STAY IN SHAPE THIS SUMMER WITH DANCE FITNESS CLASSES

Who hasn’t been guilty of indulging in the occasional summer treat…ball park hotdogs, mom’s apple pie, ice cream cones that melt all over your hand or my biggest weakeness – Pillsbury sugar cookies! My lack of willpower has led to a couple of extra pounds and I am determined to take it off with my FAVORITE form of exercise, dance fitness classes. This is the perfect solution for those of you who hate the repetitiveness of running on a treadmill for 30 minutes or who are tired of your mom’s 1992 step aerobics classes! Dance fitness is just that – one hour classes of cardio intense dance choreography!

I first learned of these classes over the radio when I heard an ad for “Dance Trance,” a studio in Jacksonville that offered dance focused aerobics classes. I was especially drawn to the term “club style lighting” and tried my first class roughly two years ago! Of all the dance and aerobics classes I have taken in my life, I have to admit that I have never enjoyed a workout so much. The lights were dimmed, the illuminated disco balls came on, the temperature in the studio was increased and then the music started pumping. A host of very talented dance instructors lined up across the front and the dancing began! Each song, from Usher to Beyonce to Seether, had its own choreographed dance and with very little instruction, the idea was to just catch on! It’s normal to stumble thru an eight-count at first but once you master the routine, it’s an amazing feeling and an even better workout. I started making the hour long journey out to the beach each week and was in the best shape of my life – it’s the perfect dancer’s workout! Soon after, I got certified to teach Zumba, the Latin inspired dance fitness craze, but quickly found myself busy with a new job and fell of the dance fitness train.

Well I’m back! After receiving an email from Dance Trance about their latest class, “Urban Ballet” that starts next month, I’ve decided to reboard the fitness train and get back to my dancing roots! (If nothing else, my mother will be delighted that I’m in my toe shoes again.) Urban ballet is apparently the “funked” up version of traditional ballet that incorporates Top 40 music with choreography, stretching and strengthening exercises. This is exactly what I need to jump start my dancing again! If you’ve seen one of my favorite movies Center Stage, I’m sure you remember the scene where a host of dancers all come together in perfect choreographed sequence to split leap across the floor to the song “Higher Ground.” Stay tuned to see if I become a prima ballerina or if the Pillsbury Dough Boy becomes my late night dance partner!

Top Ten Professional Cheerleading Uniforms
By Chelsea Overhage and Jennifer Corace

1.    Dallas Cowboys – The most famous cheerleaders in the country take first place! The Cowboys Cheerleaders have sustained their popularity by keeping with the same shorts and vest combo since the early 70’s!   The blue and white looks great together and the white vest over the royal blue is very eye catching. This uniform has been at the top of the list for decades so if “it ain’t broke, why fix it?”

2.    Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs uniforms are very popular because this NFL team knows how to work with a theme! The jagged edging on the skirt and the non-traditional, almost Halloween looking top definitely gives this crew a pirate look that’s first rate!

3.    Atlanta Falcons – Although simple, these uniforms pack a presence! The glitter for these Dirty Birds really shines under the stadium lights.  The black jackets with the white trim look great over top of the red tops and give A-Town something to be proud of!

4.    Jacksonville Jaguars – Grrrr….the Jacksonville Roar takes 4th on our list! The feminine twist on the football jersey makes these uniforms a real crowd pleaser. The black against the teal is very sharp and not a common color combo. Add in a little animal print and jaguar belt buckle and we have a winning combination!

5.    Miami Dolphins –The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, another All-American classic, represent the sunshine state well! These uniforms are very bright with their white and orange highlights and are somewhat flirty to boot.  Speaking of boots, the Dolphins are famous for those white knee high uniform staples they have sported since the 70’s! The Dolphin girls certainly know how to make a SPLASH on the field!

6.    New England Patriots – There’s not much too them, but the Patriots uniforms certainly live up to their name! Not much bigger than a bathing suit, the red, white and blue uniforms make one proud to be an American! Nothing says patriotic like stars and stripes!

7.    San Diego Chargers – The Chargers uniform is an electrifying variation to traditional cheer gear. These girls wear the flirty pleated skirt popular three decades ago. With their white jackets over the minimalist Charger sports bra, it’s easy to see why this is a fan favorite!

8.    Indianapolis Colts – The ever popular blue and white uniform makes this team an NFL standout! Although similar to the Cowboys uniform, the team’s added detail to silver sparkle, especially when they’re wearing their alternative chaps and sports bra get up, is a Mid-West success!

9.    New Orleans Hornets – The “buzz” about these uniforms is that the Hornets shy away from the traditional cheer skirt in favor of thigh highs and hot pants.  The striped socks give the dancers that added sting!  The white vest with teal accents over top of all black is a knock out look!

10.    Lakers – The Lakers constantly keep things fresh by changing their uniforms!   From their shiny silver jersey dresses to the two piece ensembles that made them America’s favorite dancers in the 80’s, the Lakers round up the Top 10 list. These NBA cheerleaders know how to rock the yellow and purple and score a fashion SLAM DUNK!

The Top 5 Best College Cheerleading Uniforms

1. University of Southern California – USC certainly went against the grain and have traditionally sported the classic All-American cheerleader look! With the classic pleated skirt and long sleeved sweater, these girls rank at the very top of my list! Whether it’s the classy conservative look that makes it a winner or the popularity amongst male fans, USC takes first place in my play book!

1. Florida State – The Seminoles are my second pick for their diagonal, one shoulder uniform choice. Not every squad can pull this look off, but the girls at Florida State do a great job! I really like the angled NOLES lettering against the white background with garnet and gold trim! It’s tasteful yet trendy all in one! Maybe it reminds me of summer because it has a certain bathing suit quality to it or maybe it’s just because I went to FSU, either way, GO NOLES!

1. University of Miami – Having never been a huge fan of the Hurricanes football or baseball uniforms, strictly for font reasons, I am a big fan for their cheerleading uniforms. Let’s be honest, green and orange are not the most complimentary of colors but the uniforms incorporate just the right amount of color splash. I also like the style of the top and skirt…shows just enough without being over the top! My male friends would also like me to add that they feel that Miami has some of the best looking cheerleaders in the country…perhaps due to the fact that many of these girls go on to cheer for the Dolphins!

1. University of Oklahoma – I think the Sooners’ cheer gear is classic, flattering and maybe the most female friendly of all uniforms. Having been a cheerleader, I can certainly appreciate the angled top that compliments the abs in just the right places but yet hides any hint of a love handle. I also like the straps that highlight the shoulder muscles but avoid that weird upper armpit fatty area! OU looks great!

5. University of Georgia – The Dawgs red and black uniforms round up my selection for the nation’s best cheer uniforms. Not usually a huge proponent of the halter top for cheerleading, this high V style looks great on all of the girls. There is nothing here that doesn’t work – great vibrant color, tailored style and classic appeal! I’ll also vote for any team that plays and beats Florida!

In the ever popular world of athletic apparel, it is perfectly normal to see the names of teams, schools or mascots written across the backside of cheer shorts. In the cheerleading community, it is not unusual to even see these names printed on the backs of bloomers. So why did a high school team in California get suspended by administration for their surprise conclusion to a cheer routine that spelled out the school mascot on the backs of their bloomers?

The location of the letters I-N-D-I-A-N-S on the behinds of Ripon Valley High’s bloomers created a media whirlwind in the Sacramento suburb. The vice principal suspended the team, with mixed reviews, for two days after seeing the unapproved ending. He felt that the move was too suggestive and that it went against school board policy. Although many cheerleaders agreed that it perhaps wasn’t appropriate, many felt the punishment did not fit the crime. Other students and parents felt that the VP made the right decision. Was it poor judgment on the part of the cheerleaders? Sure. Did it warrant a suspension that will now be included on the college application process? I don’t think so. I would hate to think that a college admission would be contingent over the ill-fated placement of the letter “I” on the backside of someone’s bloomers.

This is a rather mundane incident amongst the several that I have seen or heard about on the news. Several years ago, Texas lawmakers attempted to pass a bill that reduced funding to schools who displayed sexually suggestive cheer routines. The San Jose State University Dance Team appeared in the national spotlight after getting suspended for the remainder of the year after performing a routine that was deemed inappropriate. Hip thrusting and “horizontal dance moves” on the floor are unfortunately all too common in all ages of cheer. Many cheer and dance teams are inspired by music videos and incorporate the exact choreography from the video directly into the cheer routine. As a former dance coach, I remember girls coming to practice with Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” video choreography perfected down to the eight-count. I am guilty of watching NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” at least 50 times to copy the boy band moves (although not suggestive I might add.) However, I also recall my mother pulling me from my fourth grade jazz class after our teacher wanted to use the slightly suggestive song “Mercedes Boy” for our recital. Although brutally embarrassing then, I now applaud her decision to not include her daughter in a somewhat evocative routine.

What is the feeling in the cheer community regarding these routines? Am I showing my age when I say that I am saddened that girls feel the need to be “cool” by continuing to test the limits of suggestive dancing? Do we need stricter rules and definitions of dance moves to clearly spell out what is and is not appropriate? Or do I need to Ti-Vo the latest Ciara or Huey video and practice my “Pop, lock and drop it?